May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Book
Description:
In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in
Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes
face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.
American
socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little
regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished
overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks
out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a
convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its
laird is less than welcoming.
Alec
MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch
Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit.
Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old
injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to
the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new
American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.
Lily and
Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin
the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the
culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in
love?
My Thoughts:
Ciesielski has created a story filled with beauty, love, and mystery. I love books where the setting is as much a
character as the people. Beauty Among Ruins is a wonderful book to get lost in
as you travel to the beautiful Scottish highlands and walk the hills and
gardens. Lily, a delightful character, brings joy and charm to an
otherwise sad situation. I love her spunk and fearless ways. Alec, the brave,
strong, brooding Scot, fights to hang on to his beloved home. A variety of intriguing
characters enhance the story of Lily and Alec as they try to solve the
mysteries surrounding Kinclavoch Castle. If you enjoy stories set in the early
1900s with romance and intrigue, you'll love Beauty Among Ruins. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The pain in my knee nearly crippled me.
I hobbled into work each day from the handicapped parking spot. My good knee, replaced a few years earlier, carried the other swollen and pain filled knee, as I lurched down the hall. Every day, I persevered even as the pain shot through me, because I knew hope waited at the end of my journey. In a few months, this knee would also be replaced, and I'd regain my ability to walk pain free.
Two years later, after enduring physical therapy and exercise, I've taken walks in the neighborhood, hiked in parks, climbed hills, and kayaked. I thank God every day that he led me to the surgeon who could heal my knees, and that I was able to carry on despite the difficulty and endurance required. The trial of pain led me to a time of thanksgiving and joy.
As a follower of Jesus, I've endured trials, some of my own volition, some put on me by other's choices. The one thing I've learned is—if I curl up in a ball and hide, I accomplish nothing. But if I pray and move forward as the Holy Spirit shows me, the testing of my faith produces perseverance and maturity in my walk with Jesus. Without the trials of this world, I wouldn't understand the joy, peace, and hope that fills my soul.
No matter the circumstances, if I continue to open God's word and seek him in prayer, my faith will grow. But if I choose to hunker down in fear and hide, I'll remain stagnant in my faith, with little to give. God wants faithful followers, prayer warriors, Bible readers, and folks who share His truth. Those all come through perseverance and learning to grow in this world, despite the negativity and stress.
When trials come, seek Jesus and embrace the time to grow in him.
Click to Tweet: Consider it pure joy!
NFL lineman Jason Brown had everything in the world. He was the highest-paid
center in the game. He lived in luxury. Millions of people saw and admired him
every week. Then in 2012, Jason heard a call from God that changed
everything.
Leaving behind an incredibly successful football career that paid millions,
Jason turned toward a life he knew nothing about: farming. It was only the
beginning of his journey. Through third-party mismanagement and a run of bad
luck, Jason lost most of the money he’d saved from his NFL days—the same money
he’d planned to use to start his new career and donate fresh produce to hungry
kids. Only a miracle could save Jason’s new dream.
And that’s exactly what happened.
Centered is an inspiring riches-to-rags-to-true-riches story of one man willing to risk it all for the sake of his family. For the sake of loving others. For the sake of seeking God’s dreams first—and reminding each of us to do the same.
My Thoughts:
Jason and Tay Brown's story is so inspiring. Even though he never planned on
playing football, God led him in a different direction. In high school, he
picked up football and found he was good. He played in college and went on to
be a talented athlete in the NFL. As he played the game and lived the life of
one ensconced in a wealthy life, Jason knew he needed to get back to his faith before his family fell apart.
He and Tay went through some tough times, even when they had whatever they wanted.
But God can turn any life around, if they're willing to listen. I enjoyed the
story of Jason and Tay as they moved their family to a farm in North Carolina
and trusted God with their future. I received a complimentary copy of this
book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
